“Don’t you blockheads understand?” De Vile’s voice was strident. “I am a Senator of the United States Congress. I do not consort with murderers. I can’t believe you’ve been so stupid.” He let out a loud sigh. “I don’t care how you fix this, Cottlesloe. I don’t even want to know. Just get it done. Just tell me when you’ve done it. If it’s not sorted out by the end of the month, you’ll be getting no more investments or support from me. Is that clear?”
“I’ll see to it, Senator.”
De Vile stood up to leave. His legs were heavy, and it took extra effort to start towards the door. Cottlesloe’s shuffling and sniveling gave him scant satisfaction. As he lumbered out, he was unsure who he was most furious at — himself for getting mixed up with this jerk, or Russell for knowing about it before he d
